Tip #1 – Coordinate but do not “Match”: Having everyone “match” in your photos, tends to lean towards the boring side and is simply outdated. An example of this would be to have everyone in your photo wear white shirts and demin jeans. This look CAN be super cute with little boys (two to 3 max), or if you are wanting to “copy cat” a previous picture taken to show how the time has changed your family.

Tip #2 - Select a color theme: By choosing a color theme for you photos that incorporates at least 3-5 different colors, can ensure that you choose outfits that will coordinated together, yet NOT be ‘matchy matchy’!

Tip #3 – Think of your background! For outdoor sessions, you want to choose colors that will “stand out” amongst your background. For my studio setting, anything really goes! This is such an amazing space, that whether you choose to go with neutral colors, or a stand out bright colors, you will look great! For summer, think bright colors (teals, pinks, blues, greens and whites!) For fall I recommend darker colors such as mustard yellow, deep red, deep blue deep green, browns and light pink! For winter, if you are doing an outdoor session, you will want to choose colors that stand out against the snow and avoid very light colors. For Spring, you can mix it up! All colors work well.

Tip #4 – Size Matters! As a mother of 4 little ones, I sooo know the pain of having to buy an outfit that will “fit right now only” versus buying clothing that will fit later on as well! However, an outfit that is too large for your child will for sure show in pictures! This especially relates to babies, ie: newborn, - 12months. A lot of pictures of your child will be of them laying down, or “just barely” sitting by themselves. If their outfit is to big for them, it will ride up on their neck, etc. Also, if your child is walking, they could easily fall down and trip on pants that are too long! A great way to test this, is when buying clothing, make sure to try it on and have them lay in possible poses they will be in for pictures! Example: Lying on tummy, Lying on back, Sitting and Standing! The Basics!

Tip #5 – Don’t be afraid to mix prints! By choosing outfits that coordinate some prints with some solids, it will all “blend” together and again, ensure that you do not have matchy matchy!

Tip #6: Try to avoid anything with logos, graphics, characters or labels. You will be surprised as to how fast a “saying” across a shirt, can take away from your child’s precious smile!

Tip #7: Let your hair grow out! If anyone in your session is needing a trip to the salon for a cut, I recommend letting your hair “grow” back out for at least 1-2 weeks before your shoot. By doing this, you are sure to have the most “natural” looking cut of your loved one!

Tip #8 – On your feet! Shoes can be a deal breaker in pictures. There isn’t anything more distracting then having gorgeous fall colors in your picture and then there is “joe shmo” wearing bright white socks and sneakers! Be sure to think about your feet when selecting outfits! Also, NEVER be afraid to go barefoot! I happen to have 3 little girls, and we tend to always go barefoot depending on the setting! Sometimes bare feet can make all the difference!